On their company’s website, Jolicloud states that its new Jolibook computer by Vye (initially only available in the UK) is not a netbook. Except for the fact that its specs are strikingly similar to a netbook and that everybody seems to be calling it one.

Semantics aside, the Jolicloud Jolibook is an impressive little computer powered by cloud-centric Jolicloud 1.1, the Ubuntu-based Linux operating system the company has developed. With cloud-based computing, files and applications are utilized without localized installation, concentrating a lot of the storage, memory and processing operations externally for more efficient performance. A simplified example of this concept would be something like Gmail. There’s no software to download or install – you merely open your browser to begin receiving and composing e-mail, which is stored and accessed elsewhere.

If all the technical geek-jargon concerning operating systems and clouds has you confused, it can be boiled down to this: Jolicloud is all about the internet, social networking and apps.

Moving on to its physical characteristics, the 10.1-inch Jolibook is quite thin and lightweight at around 1 inch and 3 pounds respectively, with a nice, sturdy frame, but may become less aesthetically pleasing and a bit heavier with the large, protruding 6-cell, 7-hour battery that is included. It’s doubtful anyone will notice the battery though as they’re busy staring at the elaborate cartoony artwork adorning its hood.

Of particular interest to seniors may be the 10.1-inch LED display’s 1024 x 600 resolution, somewhat lower than what we’ve seen in many other notebooks, which may make for a slightly more difficult viewing experience for those with eye problems. And although the chiclet-style keyboard and touchpad are both comfortable to use, they’re both a bit small and condensed on the desktop space and may become frustrating to use.

Most of all the cloud-centric Jolibook is about apps. The Jolicloud OS is a dashboard-style layout and comes pre-loaded with the most popular apps around including Facebook, Twittier, YouTube, Gmail, and Skype among others. You’re also just one click away from over 750 apps in their app store for gaming, music, movies and even office tools – and the best part is that they’re all free.

Even if the Jolibook is not for you but you like the idea of the open-souce, cloud-based Jolicloud operating system. you might consider the potential alternative of turning an older, slower laptop that’s been lying around collecting dust into a new netbook by downloading and installing Jolicloud 1.1. It can easily be installed on virtually any computer – even alongside with Windows – and is a great way to breath new life into an old system. That’s one of the benefits of cloud-based computing. It’s not about the hardware.